The Chicago Bears decided to stand pat at the trade deadline except to move on from demoted running back Khalil Herbert. Even though some Bears fans had hoped for upgrades to the offensive line and to the pass rush rotation, the front office decided to carry the same roster into the second half of the season.

That doesn’t mean, however, that the Bears can’t make additions through the waiver wire or free agency. In fact, an excellent opportunity to improve the rotation in a key position just arose. Former Bears defender Yannick Ngakoue was just released by the Baltimore Ravens. Per Adam Schefter, the Ravens want to re-sign him to the practice squad, but Chicago should try to claim him off waivers.

After spending the 2023 season with the Bears, Ngakoue signed with the Ravens in the offseason. In 13 games last year, the talented pass rusher recorded four sacks, six tackles for loss, and seven QB hits. He saw his role diminished in Baltimore this season, appearing in five games for a total of 76 defensive snaps. He was firmly behind the likes of Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, Tavius Robinson, and David Ojabo in the Ravens rotation.

The Bears, however, are not as deep and talented at pass rush. Montez Sweat is the best edge defender on the team with DeMarcus Walker and Darrell Taylor also having solid seasons. The depth behind them is questionable.

Ngakoue, a familiar face who has shown competence in the Bears system, could be an excellent addition to this defensive line.